Description
Florida Shrimp Cheddar Pie is a savory seafood dish featuring a flaky pastry shell filled with sautéed shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy custard enriched with sharp Cheddar cheese. This comforting pie offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Base
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Custard Mixture
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the unbaked 9-inch pastry shell onto a baking sheet to prepare for filling.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are done. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
- Mix Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and milk until smooth. Then, incorporate the eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend thoroughly to create a well-combined custard mixture.
- Assemble Pie: Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture over the pastry shell. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the shrimp and vegetables. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown with a slightly crisp texture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the filling to set further. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are fresh and well-drained to prevent a watery filling.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Use a 9-inch pastry shell for best results; homemade or store-bought works well.
- Allow pie to rest after baking to avoid filling from oozing out when sliced.
- Serve with a light salad for a complete meal.
